___________________________________________________________________
.
THE CURIOUS DISCONNECT
Ken Ohrn keeps track of articles on the the business of bicycling.
Once again, the “featured stories” roll on BC Business’ web site has two bicycle-related articles out of three in the roll.
The Rise of Bespoke Bicycles
Sample quote: “According to Bill Yetman, executive director of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada, bicycle sales across the board have been soaring over the last few years. Better cycling infrastructure has played a role, with more people biking to work and for recreation.”
Mountain Biking Boosts Tourism in Cariboo
Sample quote: “Mountain biking is now the fastest growing tourism sector in the Cariboo. We assessed the total value of the mountain biking sector sits at over $2.26 million per year, that’s an 11.5% increase from 2010 numbers that were sitting at $2.01 million, and up $250,000 per year since 2010. “
And yet, there’s still a sense that cycling infrastructure is bad for business. News stories repeat the belief that a business closed on Hornby because of the bike lane, or that vacancies increased. Neither true. Or that a single car parking spot is better for business that a bike corral or docking station.
Data comes in to prove otherwise, but somehow the meme lives on. Is it simply because business people who drive can’t believe otherwise since it doesn’t match up with their personal experience? And what will it take before they catch on?
More stories in business magazines for one thing. Thanks B.C. Business.
___________________________________________________________________
.
BRISBANE SUPPORTS HELMET-FREE ZONES
The Brisbane City Council would support trials of helmet-free zones with the support of the state government, following a review of Queensland’s cycling laws.
In a submission to a parliamentary review of cycling issues, BCC CEO Colin Jensen writes the council would consider “relaxation” of the helmet requirement in “low risk locations”.
“This could include areas such as pathways in parks and along river and creek corridors where there is no interface with vehicular traffic,” Mr Jensen said.Riders would be able to leave their helmets at home under a proposal being considered as part of the review of Queensland’s cycling laws“Council offers its support to assist the Queensland Government in reviewing these matters including the introduction of potential trial programs.”
Such an amendment could help mitigate pressure on the council to provide helmets as part of its shared CityCycle bike hire scheme which has cost ratepayers $14 million over the past four years.
___________________________________________________________________
.
BUSES, BIKE TRAILERS AND BEER
John Whistler, on a biking expedition in Europe, sends along some shots of how transit services vacationing cyclists.
“A bus bike trailer we saw in Germany beside a beer stop”:
.
“Our understanding is this was the public transit that served the Muritz National Park near Waren. It was popular for locals who desire to bike ride in the park.”
___________________________________________________________________
